Vladimir Igoryevich Verbitsky (born 1943) is a Russian and Australian conductor.
He was appointed guest conductor of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in 1987, principal guest conductor in 1992, and conductor laureate in 1997.
When Vladimir first conducted the WASO he required an interpreter. He was a very much loved conductor during his time at WASO, delivering vibrant, entertaining and dramatic performances often fuelled with adrenalin. His interpretation of Russian music was particularly sublime.
My favourite quote ever by Vladimir was after Jack Harrison had retired from the WASO and he asked after him. On delivering the happy news that Dad was doing well, Vladimir said in his quirky english “Tell your father I love him.”
Vladimir enjoyed a plate of raw oysters with every performance and would not accept yellow flowers as they signified bad luck in Russia. Post performance, he insisted on accepting his post concert flowers on stage with a massive (usually a bit sweaty) bear hug and a kiss.
One of my all time favourite conductors!
Verbitsky was born in Leningrad. He studied piano and conducting at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, and had later conducting studies with Yevgeny Mravinsky. He made his Moscow debut in association with the pianist Emil Gilels, and often worked with Gilels thereafter.
He has been chief conductor of the Voronezh Philharmonic Orchestra since 1972, and regularly conducts other major Russian orchestras. From 1982 to 1984 he was the chief conductor of the Slovak Philharmonic.
He has undertaken many international tours. He first came to Australia in 1986 with the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, after which he was invited to conduct the State Orchestra of Victoria. He has worked in Australia every year since then. He was appointed guest conductor of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in 1987, principal guest conductor in 1992, and conductor laureate in 1997.
In addition to Gilels, Verbitsky has worked with soloists such as Vladimir Spivakov, Gidon Kremer, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Oleg Kagan, Natalia Gutman, Viktor Tretiakov, Igor Oistrakh, Paul Badura-Skoda, and Frank Peter Zimmermann.
He has recorded widely, with orchestras such as the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, Voronezh Philharmonic, Slovak Philharmonic, Saarbrücken Radio Orchestra, and many Australian orchestras.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has decorated Verbitsky with the award of People’s Artist of Russia.
Verbitsky became an Australian citizen on 6 June 2009.
https://www.bolshoirussia.com/company/orchestra/conductor/vladimir_verbitsky/
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